Demos: 5A-29 Energy Stored in a Capacitor

This demonstration shows the large amount of electrical energy that can be stored in a capacitor. You will fully charge a 30,000 µF capacitor and then short it using a screwdriver. WARNING!!! Please be careful in handling the charged capacitor as it can severely shock you.

DIRECTIONS: Connect the leads to the terminals of the capacitor from the power source. Make sure you connect the positive lead to the positive terminal and the negative lead to the negative terminal. Switching the leads will damage the capacitor.

Turn on the power supply to charge the capacitor. Turn off the power supply when the voltage is approximately 35 volts and the current drops to near zero milliamps.

Use the insulated pliers to disconnect both leads from the capacitor.

Take the screwdriver and touch both terminals of the capacitor simultaneously. A large spark will be given off by the capacitor. Do this one more time to make sure the capacitor is fully discharged.